Senate OKs Tenn. animal abuse reporting bill

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- A proposal that would require anyone recording images of animal abuse to submit unedited footage or photos to law enforcement within 48 hours has passed the Senate.

The measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Dolores Gresham of Somerville was approved 22-9 on Tuesday. The companion bill is awaiting a vote on the House floor.

Opponents of the bill say it would criminalize filming, not the abuse. But Gresham says the goal of reporting is to stop animal abuse.

The Humane Society in 2011 secretly filmed video inside a training stable in Gresham's West Tennessee district showing caustic substances being applied to Tennessee walking horses' legs and hooves, and the animals being beaten to make them stand. Trainer Jackie McConnell pleaded guilty in federal court in September.

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